Genealogy Chat

If a female married for a second time during the mid 1800's, would her second (or subsequent) marriage certificate shown her married name or her maiden name? I think I've found my gt grandmother, but cannot find a birth for her - it may just be that the birth wasn't registered, but a second marriage might be the other option? Jan

My gt gt grandmother married in 1846. Only one name , Harriet Goodenough, was given but she was listed as widow and her father's surname being different, Hobbis, gave me the clues that this was a second marriage. Later I found a birth entry for one of her children which made things clear as mother's name was given as Harriet Thorowgood, late Goodenough formerly Hobbis.

I would expect a marriage cert to provide clues of the woman's previous marriage. Under the heading 'Condition' the word 'spinster' for a previously unmarried woman or 'widow'if that applies. If the word widow is written then you need to look at the name of her father as stated on the certificate. In the example I have (for 1843) Harriet TYLER a widow married. Her father is named as Samuel Williams. In reality she was born Harriet WILLIAMS, was the widow of Robert TYLER and then remarried and became Harriet SOWER. Hope this helps Pete

All of my certs have married name, then the word formaly and their maiden name. Roy

Judith - I was intrigued by ''Thorowgood, late Goodenough'': the two names are quite close in meaning. Almost like Theophilus and Amadeus. Christine

I've got one where she married under her maiden name (although not exactly as registered Lol) both times, no mention of previous marriage on second one (it may have been bigamous though, so she wouldn't, would she!).

Thanks for all the advice. Jan

I had this for a relative, her birth certificate said Middleton(married name) formerly Fray (maiden name) so both were listed for wedding taking place around 1865. Hope this helps Catherine

Christine, just seen your comment. Yes, an interesting pair of married names. Mind you Mr Goodenough was not good enough after all, as he was transported for sheep stealing. (Harriet was being economical with the truth when she claimed to be a widow)